In-Flight Casino Games

IRVINE —  Software developer Intergame, which makes entertainment programs used by passengers inside airplane cabins, has installed one of the first in-flight gambling systems.

The software is being carried by Lauda Air of Austria, and will soon be available on all of its international flights, company officials said. The system will be left off routes to and from the United States, and other countries that don’t allow airborne gambling.

Passengers play by swiping their credit card into the computer system, which is built into the back of each seat. The system offers eight different casino-type games, including poker, slots and blackjack. Winnings--and debits--are drawn off the card’s account, and consumers can lose as much as $350 per credit card.

Swissair offers a similar in-flight gambling service on some of its routes. Unlike the Lauda Air system--where the airline pockets the winnings--Swissair hands over its gaming profits to the Swiss national lottery.